The Delta State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapters of the Take It Back Movement Nigeria have announced plans to stage a joint protest in Abuja over the continued detention of child rights advocate, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho.
According to a press statement issued by the two chapters, jointly signed by Comrade Ochuko Etu, Coordinator of the Delta State Chapter, and Comrade Moses Andrew, Coordinator of the FCT–Abuja Chapter of the movement, it was made known that the protest is part of the ongoing #FreeAghogho campaign, which seeks justice and adherence to the rule of law in the legal proceedings involving the activist.
The protest is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the office of the Federal Ministry of Justice (Nigeria) in the Central Business District of Abuja, where the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (Nigeria) is located.
The movement described the planned demonstration as a “coordinated and unified effort” aimed at demanding accountability and transparency in the prosecution of Aghogho.
“This joint action represents a coordinated and unified effort by both chapters to demand justice, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law,” the statement said.
The statement expressed concern over what it called the prolonged detention of the activist without timely judicial resolution, citing repeated procedural delays and legal questions surrounding the charges filed against him.
According to the statement, there are also concerns about the jurisdictional validity of the charges instituted under federal law and allegations that prosecutorial processes may have been abused.
“The Movement expresses deep concern over what it describes as prolonged incarceration without timely judicial resolution, recurring procedural delays, and serious legal questions relating to the jurisdictional competence and validity of the charges,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that the authority of the Attorney-General of the Federation may have been misrepresented or improperly invoked in initiating the prosecution, “Of particular gravity are allegations suggesting that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation may have been misrepresented or improperly invoked in the initiation and conduct of the prosecution,” the statement added.
According to the chapters, such claims raise serious constitutional questions about the lawful exercise of prosecutorial powers in Nigeria, calling for an independent and transparent investigation.
The announcement follows recent developments at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Warri, Delta State, where proceedings in the case FGN v. Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho reportedly failed to proceed on April 14, 2026. The case, filed under Charge Number FHC/WR/92C/2022, could not be heard after the court did not sit on the scheduled date.
According to the movement, a notice from the court registry indicated that the presiding judge was on official assignment and that lawyers were only required to attend court to obtain a new adjournment date.
The matter had been expected to address an administrative decision concerning the possible reassignment of the case.
Following the development, members of the Take It Back Movement Nigeria in Delta State staged a protest at the court premises in Warri, expressing concerns over the persistent delays and procedural irregularities. The movement also said a formal request had earlier been submitted to judicial authorities seeking the reassignment of the case due to concerns about jurisdiction and judicial impartiality.
“Despite acknowledgment of the application and its referral to relevant oversight bodies, no definitive action has been taken,” the statement said.
The movement said the planned Abuja protest will demand the immediate and unconditional release of Aghogho, as well as a transparent investigation into the misuse or misrepresentation of the powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation. It also called for strict compliance with constitutional safeguards, particularly those relating to fundamental human rights and due process.
The Delta and Abuja chapters of the Take It Back Movement Nigeria emphasized that the protest would be conducted peacefully and within the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement added.
Leave a Reply